Create a tool caddy

1. Neaten the top edge of all floral pockets with bias binding. To mark the positions of the box pleats, insert two pins on the top and bottom edges of the main pockets, 13cm in from the corners. Fold vertically between these points and press creases lightly. At the bottom edge, fold a 1cm pleat at each side of the creases and pin in place. Make another 1cm pleat, 2cm in from each corner and pin.

2. Check that the bottom edge of the pocket fits neatly along the polka dot front panel and adjust the pleats as necessary. Pin and tack the side and bottom edges of the pocket to the panel and machine stitch together using a 6mm seam allowance. Divide the three pockets by stitching along the crease lines. Reinforce the top of each seam with satin stitch in a colour to match the bias binding. Make up the back of the bag in the same way.

3. Create a 1cm pleat, 2cm in from each bottom corner of the side pockets and pin in place. Pin and tack the side and bottom edges of the pockets to the side panels and machine stitch together. With right sides facing, taking care not to stitch into the fold, pin, tack and machine stitch the side panels to the left and right edges of the front, then sew on the back. Leave the 1cm seam allowance at the bottom end of each seam unstitched. Sew on the base and turn right side out. Slip a cardboard base into the bottom of the bag.

4. Make up the lining in the same way and place inside the bag, matching the seam lines. Tack the lining and bag together around the opening. Turn under a 1cm seam along each long edge of the two handles, then press them in half with wrong sides facing. Stitch the folded edges together 3mm from the edge, then stitch the other fold to match. Pin the short ends to the top of the back and front of the bag with raw edges matching, 5cm in from the corners.

5. Make your own bias binding using leftover fabric. Press under a 1cm turning along one long edge and one short edge for the opening. Matching the neatened short edge to one seam, pin the long raw edge around the outside of the bag with right sides facing, overlapping the end. Machine stitch in place, 2mm from the edge. Work a few extra stitches over the ends of the handles to reinforce the join.

6. Fold the neatened edge of the binding to the inside of the bag and slip stitch it down. Machine stitch 3mm from the seam on the right sides, then stitch through the handles 3mm from the top edge of the bag.

Stitch a knee rest

1. Lay the top fabric so that the pattern runs from top to bottom. Make four 8mm notches into the seam allowance of the left and right side edges, 6cm in from each corner. With right sides facing, pin the short end of a spotty side strip to the top of the left edge. Starting 1cm from the corner, sew together with a 1cm seam allowance as far as the snip.